The world's greatest collection of ancient Greek art and artefacts, spanning 7,000 years from the Neolithic to Late Antiquity in 70+ rooms. Highlights include the Antikythera Mechanism (world's first analogue computer, 100 BC), the Mask of Agamemnon, and the Akrotiri frescoes.
The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important in the world, with more than 11,000 exhibits on display. It occupies a neoclassical building on Patission Street (28is Oktovriou), designed by Ludwig Lange and Ernst Ziller and built between 1866 and 1889, and it was founded to gather antiquities from across the country. The collections span from the Neolithic period, around 7000 BC, to Late Antiquity, with an emphasis on a chronological and thematic arrangement of prehistoric, sculpture, vases, metalwork and Egyptian collections.
The Prehistoric Collection is a highlight and includes the Mycenaean finds from Grave Circle A, among them the gold funerary mask known as the Mask of Agamemnon, found by Heinrich Schliemann in 1876, as well as the Cycladic figurines of the 3rd millennium BC. The Thera Exhibition displays the wall paintings from Akrotiri on Santorini, buried by the volcanic eruption of the 17th century BC. The Sculpture Collection is arranged chronologically, from Archaic kouroi to Classical and Hellenistic works, and includes the bronze Poseidon or Zeus of Artemision, the Jockey of Artemision, the Varvakeion Athena, a copy of the great statue of Athena Parthenos, and the Antikythera Ephebe. The Antikythera Mechanism, an astronomical device of the 2nd to 1st century BC recovered from a shipwreck in 1900, is displayed in the Bronze Collection with other finds from the wreck.
The museum also holds an important Egyptian collection and the Stathatos Collection of smaller antiquities, plus a rich display of Attic vases, from the Geometric to the red-figure styles. The Greek Ministry of Culture has renovated and re-displayed the galleries in recent years. The galleries are well lit, with labels in Greek and English and the use of thematic groupings that illustrate daily life, burial and religion. A full visit takes two to four hours, and visitors can focus on single wings if time is limited.
| Admission | €12 adults, free EU citizens under 25 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Sun 8AM-8PM (winter 9AM-4PM), Mon 1PM-8PM |
Highlights
- The Mask of Agamemnon and the Mycenaean gold finds from Grave Circle A
- The Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient astronomical device
- Wall paintings from Akrotiri, Santorini, in the Thera gallery
- The bronze Poseidon (or Zeus) of Artemision and the Jockey of Artemision
- Cycladic figurines and the Attic vase collection
Tips for visiting
- Start with the Prehistoric Collection, then follow the sculpture galleries chronologically.
- The Antikythera Mechanism is a must-see single object and sits in the Bronze Collection.
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid school groups and tour groups.
- Pair with a separate visit to the Acropolis Museum for a fuller picture of Athenian art.
- Check the combined or reduced-ticket options on the official website.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest. The museum is a useful option in the heat of summer afternoons.
Accessibility
The museum has ramps, lifts and accessible toilets, and most galleries are step-free. Visitors with mobility needs should check current arrangements with the museum.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a full visit take?
Two to four hours is typical for a first visit. Visitors short on time can focus on the Mycenaean, Antikythera and sculpture galleries.
Is the museum English-language friendly?
Yes. Labels and panels are in Greek and English, and audio guides and English-language tours are available.
Can the museum be visited with kids?
Yes. Children often respond to the golden masks and the Antikythera Mechanism, and the galleries are spacious.
Is photography allowed?
Photography without flash is generally permitted, but visitors should confirm current rules on arrival.